Close off unneeded rooms, dress in layers and stay fed and hydrated. Never use a generator, charcoal, camp stove or gas oven to heat your home, and have a battery-powered CO alarm.
Keep the heat in
Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and close blinds or curtains to hold in some heat.
Dress and fuel your body
Wear layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing, and remove layers to avoid overheating and chills from sweat. Eat and drink to fuel your body's heat production, and drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
What never to use for heat
The CDC says never to heat your house with a gas oven, never to burn charcoal indoors, and never to use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. See our guide on generator safety.
If you use a fireplace, wood stove or space heater
The NWS says to use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Once it is safe to go outside, clear snow that may block a gas furnace vent. If an upstairs gas furnace vents through the roof, you may need to shut it off until snow melts from the roof.
Alarms and symptoms
Install battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area. Common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. If an alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call your local fire department. If someone is unconscious, not breathing or having seizures, call 911. Otherwise call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid overexertion
Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, especially if you are not in good health. The cold and hard labor can cause a heart attack.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Sources
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 26, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.